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Behavioral Sciences
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Actual Debate on Comorbidity between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention...
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Actual Debate on Comorbidity between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 8804

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Carla Sogos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience, Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
Interests: autism spectrum disorder; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; neurodevelopmental disorders; child psychopathology; treatment in child psychiatry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

ASD and ADHD share some similarities and overlaps, such as difficulties in attention, communication with peers, impulsivity, and various degrees of restlessness or hyperactivity.  It has been described that children with ADHD have pragmatic language, emotional recognition, and theory of mind difficulties similar to children with ASD. Both are more common in boys than in girls and have a known genetic pre-disposition.

This being the case, ADHD is mainly characterized by impaired functioning in the areas of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, whereas ASD is specifically defined by social dysfunction, restrictive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Particularly in preschool ages, between 30 and 50% of individuals with ASD manifest ADHD symptoms.

 Where is the current debate on the co-existence of ASD and ADHD heading to?

Actual major concerns refer to:  

  1. Association and overlapping of symptoms. 
  2. Developmental cascades. 
  3. Prognosis and treatment.

The topic is particularly stimulating given the high risk of cognitive impoverishment and the need of early specific intervention.

Dr. Carla Sogos
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • comorbidity
  • autism spectrum disorder
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • children
  • neurodevelopmental disorders
  • support

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 297 KiB  
Article
The Hidden Impact of ADHD Symptoms in Preschool Children with Autism: Is There a Link to Somatic and Sleep Disorders?
by Dario Esposito, Katerina Bernardi, Arianna Belli, Valentina Gasparri, Sara Romano, Letizia Terenzi, Maria Elena Zanatta, Sara Iannotti and Mauro Ferrara
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030211 - 6 Mar 2024
Viewed by 2181
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), do often present in comorbidity among them and with other medical conditions, including sleep and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and somatic complaints. An anonymous online survey based on standardized questionnaires [...] Read more.
Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), do often present in comorbidity among them and with other medical conditions, including sleep and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and somatic complaints. An anonymous online survey based on standardized questionnaires (SDSC, KL-ASD, APSI, ROME V CRITERIA, CPRS, CBCL) was completed by the parents of 46 preschoolers diagnosed with ASD. A high prevalence (47%) of ADHD symptoms in this population was found, surpassing previous estimates. Sleep disturbances, especially difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep and sleep–wake transition, are more pronounced in ASD patients with comorbid ADHD. Additionally, in patients over 4 years old, there is a high prevalence of functional GI symptoms (Rome V criteria: 38%). Parental stress is significantly associated with ADHD symptoms, sleep disorders, and GI symptoms. Comprehensive assessments considering both core symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders and associated comorbidities are crucial for more effective treatment strategies and improved wellbeing in affected individuals and their families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actual Debate on Comorbidity between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children)
16 pages, 300 KiB  
Article
Food and Development: Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental and Comorbid Eating Disorders—A Case Series
by Jacopo Pruccoli, Giulia Guardi, Angela La Tempa, Beatrice Valeriani, Francesca Chiavarino and Antonia Parmeggiani
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060499 - 13 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2496
Abstract
The impact of psychiatric comorbidities in the diagnosis and treatment of feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) represents an emerging research topic. The current literature, nonetheless, lacks studies investigating the developmental paths of individuals with FEDs and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Here, we report [...] Read more.
The impact of psychiatric comorbidities in the diagnosis and treatment of feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) represents an emerging research topic. The current literature, nonetheless, lacks studies investigating the developmental paths of individuals with FEDs and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Here, we report 11 cases of children and adolescents with comorbid FEDs and NDDs, as assessed along the neuropsychological, psychopathological, and nutritional developmental pathways. The onset of FED-related psychopathology was preceded, sometimes undiagnosed, by altered neurodevelopmental features leading to specific NDD diagnoses (autism spectrum disorder—ASD; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—ADHD; specific learning disorder—SLD). NDDs appeared to influence the diagnoses and treatments of FEDs, frequently with an impact on socio-relational and emotional premorbid features, and on the possibility to receive and attend FED-targeted treatments. Further studies should longitudinally contribute to assessing the experiences of care and neurodevelopmental pathways of children with FEDs and specific NDD comorbidities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actual Debate on Comorbidity between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children)

Other

Jump to: Research

6 pages, 213 KiB  
Case Report
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of Comorbid ASD, ADHD and Psychosis: A Case Report
by Veronica Scarselli, Melania Martucci, Maria Novelli, Serena Galosi, Maria Romani and Carla Sogos
Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(10), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12100382 - 6 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3109
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity is common in clinical practice and it seems to be related to shared etiological mechanisms and genetic susceptibility. Moreover, occurrence of psychosis can further complicate these complex clinical pictures. Here, we discuss [...] Read more.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity is common in clinical practice and it seems to be related to shared etiological mechanisms and genetic susceptibility. Moreover, occurrence of psychosis can further complicate these complex clinical pictures. Here, we discuss the case of a nine-years-old boy presenting with an episode of abnormal sustained posture of the upper limbs, resembling dystonia, at the age of 3. At this time, auditory and visual hallucinations, as well as obsessive thoughts and attentional lability were also present and a diagnosis of “Early onset psychosis” was initially made. Due to the worsening of clinical picture, several hospitalizations were necessary and pharmacological treatment with carbamazepine, risperidone and aripiprazole was carried out. Extensive clinic evaluation revealed a past medical and personal history of toe walking, weak social skills and stereotyped behavior observed and ADOS-2 Module 2 administration revealed severe Autism scores. Moreover, signs of attention and hyperactivity were consistent with ADHD diagnosis. This work highlights the importance of a complete diagnostic assessment in patients with complex presentation, suggesting the possible overlap diagnosis of ADHD and Autism even in presence of psychotic-like symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actual Debate on Comorbidity between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children)
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